[Transcranial Doppler measurement of hemodynamics in the major cerebral arteries]

Using a pulsed Doppler velocity meter, the authors assessed by a transcranial approach, in order to obtain an idea on the normal haemodynamics of the basal cerebral arteries, the maximal systolic blood flow (Vmax., m.s-1) in these arteries in a group of 25 healthy young men and in 20 healthy children. In different arteries of the two groups the following mean values of Vmax. were recorded: middle cerebral artery 0.73 +/- 0.11 parallel 0.80 +/- 0.17 m.s-1; anterior cerebral artery 0.55 +/- 0.06 parallel 0.51 +/- 0.09 m.s-1 and posterior cerebral artery 0.44 +/- 0.04 parallel 0.40 +/- 0.02 m.s-1. The assessed values of Vmax. are in agreement with data of other authors. Using the transcranial Doppler method (TD), the authors recorded in 10 children examined in the acute and subsequent stage of cerebrovascular disease recanalization of original occlusions in the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries in the carotid siphon and in the basal artery and improved cerebral haemodynamics in A-V malformation in the basal ganglia. The TD method thus makes it possible to diagnose and follow up the course of these diseases. To illustrate the assessment of the function of the circle of Willis we made in three of our followed up patients with stenosis of extracranial internal carotid arteries static compression tests of both common carotid arteries. The TD method makes it possible to follow up the course of haemodynamic changes in diseases of the cerebral arteries and along with the angiographic examination it extends and supplements the evaluation of the pathological condition of the cerebral arteries and its extent.